NFL History's Top Tight Ends: From Rob Gronkowski, Shannon Sharpe to Travis Kelce
The greatest NFL tight end of all time, according to talkSPORT's rankings, sets an unmatched standard in the position. Here's a sneak peek at who might take the top spot:
1. Tony Gonzalez
Nicknamed "The Machine," Gonzalez proves to be more than just a tight end. He played 17 seasons at the highest level, showcasing his incredible skillset as a receiver and force to be reckoned with in the blocking game.
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1997, Gonzalez racked up 15,127 receiving yards and 111 touchdowns during his career. His impressive stats draw comparisons to the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
After spending 10 years in Kansas City, Gonzalez joined the Atlanta Falcons for five seasons, where he continued to make history by recording his 1,000th career catch—the first tight end to ever achieve this feat.
9. John Mackey
Mackey wasn't afraid to shake up the NFL norm as he redefined the tight end position during his time with the Baltimore Colts. With five Pro Bowl appearances, three All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl ring to his name, Mackey left an indelible mark on the league.
Drafted in the second round in 1963, Mackey showcased his electric talents on the football field, leading the league in receiving yards by a tight end for four consecutive seasons. His impressive play earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
10. Mike Ditka
Although Ditka's accomplishments extend beyond his play on the field, he was an exceptional tight end during his days with the Chicago Bears. His toughness, speed, and reliability helped him earn five Pro Bowl selections.
Ditka was a first-round draft pick in 1961, and his talent propelled him to stardom, both as a player and later as a coach, earning Coach of the Year honors twice. In 1988, Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
As the rankings reveal, the debate over who is the greatest NFL tight end of all time remains ongoing among fans and experts. Each player showcased exceptional skill and reshaped the position in their unique ways. In the ever-evolving world of football, who knows who might secure the throne in the future?
Tony Gonzalez, known as "The Machine," played 17 seasons in the NFL and his impressive statistics draw comparisons to the greatest wide receivers. Drafted in 1997, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first tight end to record 1,000 career catches. John Mackey, drafted in 1963, redefined the tight end position by leading the league in receiving yards for four consecutive seasons and earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mike Ditka, a first-round draft pick in 1961, was an exceptional tight end for the Chicago Bears, earning five Pro Bowl selections and later becoming a successful coach inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The debate over the greatest NFL tight end of all time continues, with each player contributing to the evolution of the position in their unique ways.
